What do the New Jersey Devils look like in Year 2 with Sheldon Keefe?

When the New Jersey Devils hired Sheldon Keefe over a year ago, the expectations were raised. After the team missed the playoffs in 2024, it was clear that a change was needed. By bringing in Keefe, he brought a different brand of hockey that is similar to what made the Devils dangerous in 2022-23.

While the first half of the year showed the potential of what this team can do at full strength, the lack of depth and eventual injuries led to the downfall of this team in the 2024-25 season. Heading into this upcoming campaign, the team needs to elevate what Keefe is demanding of them.

1. Accountability

One thing that was needed for this team was someone who was going to hold the players in the locker room more accountable. It wasn't just obvious on the ice, but it was clear that even when Keefe spoke to the media, he had high demands for what he wanted to see from the team.

The best example of this was following a 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators on March 22, 2025. When Keefe was asked to reply postgame on a comment made by defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic on how the team needs a playoff mentality, he responded with, "Kovacevic just needs to play better. That would help.”

Now, this was not necessarily a direct shot at Kovacevic, as Keefe explained a few days later. What it showed more was Keefe demanding that everyone play better to win. Many of the players had a longer time getting used to a coach like Keefe. Now that the majority of them are returning, they should have a better understanding and desire to hold one another accountable, like Keefe has.

2. Puck-Possession And Speed

What made both the Leafs under Keefe and the Devils successful last year was the head coach's emphasis on puck possession using his team's speed. This focuses on aggressive forechecking, creating a ton of chaos in the offensive zone, and quick transitions. Keefe wants his team to push the tempo and hound the opposing team in their zone. You will also notice that defensemen will come up in the play and take more of a risk to keep the puck in the offensive zone. This includes carrying the puck into the zone themselves

While this does leave openings for odd-man rushes the other way, the team has talented enough defensive defensemen like Jonas Siegenthaler and Brett Pesce to back up more offensive guys like Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes. It also helps to have a top-tier netminder in Jacob Markstrom to give Keefe and the offense confidence to take those risks. With more scoring depth and health heading into this year, the Devils need to get back to that identity under Keefe that makes them a formidable offense.

3. Development And Individualization

When Keefe was hired, one of the biggest talking points about his success as a coach was his ability to develop young players and help them reach another level of play. Some examples from Toronto are William Nylander and Matthew Knies. Knies in particular became a Keefe favorite and blossomed in his rookie year. Fast forward to the present, and Knies is one of the main players at the forefront of the Maple Leafs' offense long-term

When looking at the Devils, players like Nico Hischier, Johnny Kovacevic, and Stefan Noesen took steps forward in their play. Hischier ended this past year with a career-high 35 goals and even earned Selke as well as Hart trophy votes. Noesen, who played for Keefe before, finished with career-highs in goals (21) and points (41). Despite being publicly criticized, Kovacevic had a strong first season in New Jersey and, thanks to Keefe's influence, earned a long-term extension with the team.

Even Jesper Bratt had his best season to date with a franchise-record 67 assists, along with his most points in a year at 88. Going into 2025-26, there are players like Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, Simon Nemec, Luke Hughes, and others who will get more time to elevate their games as well and develop into even better players than they were before.

While last year didn't go the way anyone wanted, there were positives from it, and Keefe's coaching style proves that when clicking, this team can be one of the best in the National Hockey League. Heading into 25-26, they must build on the good parts and push themselves to meet the high expectations the organization and the fanbase have for them.